Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Poland Reinstates Border Controls with Germany, Lithuania Ahead of NATO Summit
As of July 1, Poland has temporarily reintroduced border controls on its land borders with Germany and Lithuania. This measure will remain in place until August 1 and is directly connected to increased security preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, which will bring together heads of state, military leaders, and diplomatic delegations from across the alliance.
The Polish Ministry of the Interior emphasized that the controls are a preventive security measure designed to mitigate potential threats associated with the high-profile international event. Authorities stressed that while border crossings will remain operational, travelers should anticipate random checks of identification and luggage, particularly at major road crossings, train stations, and transit hubs.
The reinstated controls apply to both private and commercial travel. Although they are described as “temporary and targeted”, they may lead to delays, especially during peak travel periods. Border guards will operate in close coordination with national police and intelligence services to monitor movement and maintain public order.
Travelers are advised to carry valid identification at all times and to monitor updates from Poland's border services and local authorities.
Read more here: https://infosecurity24.pl/bezpieczenstwo-wewnetrzne/premier-przywracamy-czasowe-kontrole-na-granicach-z-niemcami-i-litwa
Czesław Cybulski Memorial to Bring Track and Field Elite to Poznań
On Saturday, July 6, Poznań will host the Czesław Cybulski Memorial, a prestigious athletics event that pays tribute to one of Poland’s most iconic track and field coaches. Held at the Golęcin Athletics Stadium, the memorial is both a competitive sports gathering and a heartfelt homage to the legacy of a man who shaped generations of Polish athletes.
Czesław Cybulski, who passed away in 2020, was a specialist in throwing events and coached several world-class athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Szymon Ziółkowski and world-record holder Anita Włodarczyk. His coaching career spanned decades and played a critical role in elevating Poland’s international status in disciplines such as hammer throw, discus, and shot put.
The event will feature top Polish and international athletes competing in these fields. For spectators, it’s a chance to witness elite sports performance while reflecting on Cybulski’s deep commitment to the sport.
The memorial also includes side events such as:
- Youth competitions and coaching clinics
- Interactive exhibits on sports science and training techniques
- Commemorative tributes and personal stories shared by former athletes and colleagues
Admission is free, and families are encouraged to attend. It’s more than a sports meet — it’s a celebration of perseverance, discipline, and national pride.
Poznań Marks 69th Anniversary of 1956 Uprising With Tributes and Education
Poznań has solemnly commemorated the 69th anniversary of the June 1956 Uprising, one of the first mass protests against communist rule in Eastern Europe. The events of June 28, 1956, saw over 100,000 factory workers take to the streets demanding better living conditions, higher wages, and political reform. The demonstration was violently suppressed by the state, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, but it remains a defining moment in Poland’s path to democracy.
This year’s commemorations included:
- A ceremonial laying of wreaths at memorial sites such as the Monument to the Victims of June 1956
- A minute of silence observed throughout the city at noon
- Educational workshops and lectures in schools and cultural institutions
- Historical exhibitions showcasing photographs, letters, and testimonies from participants
One of the most moving tributes was dedicated to Romek Strzałkowski, the 13-year-old boy who became a symbol of the uprising after being shot during the protest. His story continues to resonate with generations of Poles.
Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak spoke during the central ceremony, emphasizing the need to “preserve historical truth and pass it on to future generations.” He noted that the ideals fought for in 1956 — dignity, freedom, and justice — remain relevant in today’s world.
The city remains committed to commemorating the uprising annually and supporting institutions like the Poznań June 1956 Museum, which keeps the memory of this pivotal moment alive.
Chwiałka Outdoor Pool Reopens for Summer with New Features, Events
As the summer heats up, Poznań residents have reason to celebrate with the opening of the city’s beloved Chwiałka Outdoor Swimming Pool. The facility reopened for the season in late June and quickly became a favorite destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and sunseekers.
Located in central Poznań, Chwiałka offers:
- A large recreational pool for casual swimmers and children
- A 25-meter sports pool for serious swimmers and training groups
- Shaded areas, sun loungers, grassy picnic spots, and food stands
- Modern changing rooms and showers with improved accessibility
The pool has undergone recent renovations to improve water quality systems and enhance visitor comfort. This year, the city also introduced digital ticketing and online reservations, helping manage crowd levels and reduce waiting times.
In addition to regular swimming, Chwiałka will host:
- Aqua aerobics and water fitness classes
- Family days with games and lifeguard-led activities
- Night swimming events on select weekends with music and lights
The pool is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted hygiene and safety regulations. With temperatures expected to rise in July, city officials anticipate a record turnout this season.
Poznań Honors Astronaut Sławosz Uznański with STEM Programs and Public Support
Poznań has rallied in support of Sławosz Uznański, the Polish astronaut selected to take part in a future mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Uznański, a former CERN engineer and biomedical researcher, is set to become only the second Polish citizen in history to fly into space — the first since Mirosław Hermaszewski’s mission in 1978.
The city has embraced Uznański’s achievement as an opportunity to inspire young minds and promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Under the initiative titled “Poznań for the Polish Astronaut,” a wide range of educational and public engagement programs have been launched.
These include:
- Astronomy and space exploration workshops in city schools
- Public science talks by physicists, engineers, and space experts
- A temporary space-themed exhibition at Poznań Science and Technology Park
- Special educational content available through city libraries and youth centers
In a recent statement, Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak praised Uznański as “a role model of modern Polish excellence — deeply rooted in science, driven by discipline, and globally recognized.”
Uznański’s mission to the ISS is scheduled for 2025/2026, and preparations are already underway. The city hopes his story will inspire a new generation of Polish scientists, engineers, and explorers.
Social Sharing